The aim of this project was to make a documentary review about the scientific production aroundtraditional swimming in South America during the last fifteen years. In the same way, a reflection was made about the current role of the universities in the production and contribution to the knowledge in the development of society. A selection was made from several scientific portals. Thirty-seven articles were reported whichthe difference of production and publication by Brazilian universities respect to the rest of theSouth American region is noted.